By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
DEQUINCY, La. (LBM) – Kristie Singley came to New Hope Baptist Church in Dequincy searching for a Bible study class to attend on Sunday morning, March 29, and in the process discovered her need for a Savior.
Singley arrived on campus only to learn that her age group class met online prior to the Facebook Live worship service. But in the one-on-one conversation that ensued with Associate Pastor Tracy Smith, part of the skeleton crew that helps produce the livestreamed Sunday service, she turned to Christ.
The following week, she was baptized in a portable deep basin at the April 5 drive in-service conducted by New Hope.
“When I asked Jesus in my life I felt all my sins go away and felt like a new person and a new beginning in my life,” Singley told the Baptist Message. “The day I got baptized was a celebration of the new beginning in my life, a declaration that I give my worries, concerns and everything I have to the Lord so He can guide me and shape me into the person I’m supposed to be.”
The baptism came while Singley was still recovering from the pain of losing a child only 30 minutes after his premature birth. She credited her church family for helping her cope with the tragedy.
“Last year my husband and I lost our son at 21 weeks and two days, just a half hour after I delivered him that day,” Singley said. “It kills me to this day. I am still lost and confused, but I am thankful I turned my life over to the lord to help guide me to get me through everything I need in my life.”
Singley’s baptism is the second Pastor Roland Hebert has performed since mid-March when the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic forced the congregation to forgo gathering inside the worship center.
Hebert said his staff has remained committed to having a physical presence on the property, even as they have streamed services online. The church, which averaged 175 for its Sunday morning services in early March, drew 53 cars for its April 5 drive-in service, and then saw an increase to 59 for Easter Sunday. Additionally, the church registered 1,500 views for its Facebook Live service April 5 and had around 500 watch April 12.
“We are willing to do whatever it takes to get the word out,” Hebert said. “In times like this, people need God more than ever. Our responsibility is to help see that through.”
Hebert said the church also has seen an increase in giving for April.
“The first two weeks of this month have been better than the first two months of the year, which is amazing,” Hebert said. “I can’t explain it, but I do know that God is moving and with Him there are no surprises.
“We are hopeful for what the Lord will do through us in the future,” he added. “When tragedy comes, people come seeking God. People will show up looking for answers.”
